The University of Leeds is now stoma friendly!
29 June, 2026
The University of Leeds has become the latest organisation to join our growing Stoma Friendly Toilets campaign, making it easier for people living with a stoma to access clean, practical and dignified toilet facilities across its campus.
As part of an Estates-led accessibility project, 89 accessible toilets across the University have been upgraded to become stoma friendly. Helping staff, students and visitors living with a stoma feel more confident when they’re away from home.
Small changes. A big difference.
For many people living with a stoma, using public or accessible toilets can be stressful. Standard accessible toilets often don’t include the simple features needed to change a stoma bag safely and hygienically.
The newly upgraded facilities at the University of Leeds now include:
- Shelves to keep medical supplies clean and dry
- Hooks for clothing and belongings
- Mirrors to help with changing a stoma bag
- Disposal bins located inside the cubicle
- Colostomy UK’s Stoma Friendly signage, reminding people that not all disabilities are visible.
These practical improvements help people manage their stoma with greater privacy, dignity and confidence.
Listening to lived experience
The project was developed after accessibility needs were raised through the University’s Campus Access User Group. Working closely with Colostomy UK, the University reviewed the facilities and ensured the upgrades met the needs of people living with a stoma.
One member of staff described the improvements as making “getting about and living a normal life much easier” – a reminder that relatively small changes can have a huge impact on someone’s independence and wellbeing.
Building a more Stoma Friendly UK
We’re delighted to see another major organisation investing in facilities that help remove barriers for people living with a stoma.
The University of Leeds joins a growing number of organisations across the UK that have embraced our Stoma Friendly campaign, including transport hubs, shopping centres, healthcare settings and public venues.
Could your organisation become Stoma Friendly?
Creating a Stoma Friendly toilet doesn’t require expensive refurbishment. In most cases, a few simple additions can make a life-changing difference for the more than 200,000 people living with a stoma in the UK.
If your workplace, university, business or public venue would like to become Stoma Friendly, we’d love to hear from you.
Together, we can continue breaking down barriers and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. Email us at: getinvolved@colostomyuk.org or find out more about our stoma friendly toilets campaign: colostomyuk.org/campaigns/toilets
You can also read the full story on the University of Leeds website.
